Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Clauses Exercise (351)
Edit the following sentences by replacing the blanks with either "that" or "which." Provide commas where needed.
Answers and Explanations
1.
Original: The server ----- stores my databases is based in Germany.
Correct : The server that stores my databases is based in Germany.
"That stores my databases" is a restrictive clause, essential to the meaning of the sentence; no comma is needed.
2.
Original: The 19th century novel ----- I most admire is by George Eliot.
Correct : The 19th century novel that I most admire is by George Eliot.
"That I most admire" is a restrictive clause, essential to the meaning of the sentence; no comma is needed.
3.
Original: The White House ------ is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC has 35 bathrooms.
Correct : The White House, which is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC, has 35 bathrooms.
"Which is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC" is a nonrestrictive clause, not essential to the meaning of the sentence; a comma is needed.
4.
Original: The nurse told the child to hold up the knee ------ was scraped.
Correct : The nurse told the child to hold up the knee that was scraped.
"That was scraped" is a restrictive clause, essential to the meaning of the sentence; no comma is needed.
5.
Original: Everyone on the sidewalk noticed the black van ------ had Arizona plates.
Correct : Everyone on the sidewalk noticed the black van, which had Arizona plates.
"Which had Arizona plates" is a nonrestrictive clause, not essential to the meaning of the sentence; a comma is needed.
Related Articles